Isabella Carter
Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, played a significant role in shaping the nation's future. In his later years, Franklin, at 81, attended the Constitutional Convention in 1787, delivering a speech aimed at convincing three delegates to abandon their opposition to the Constitution. Despite expressing doubts about certain parts of the Constitution, Franklin ultimately agreed to it, acknowledging the necessity of a general government. He is also known for his famous quote about the Constitution and life: Our new Constitution is now established, everything seems to promise it will be durable; but, in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | September 17, 1787 |
| Age of Benjamin Franklin | 81 |
| Benjamin Franklin's health issues | Gout and kidney stones |
| Benjamin Franklin's quotes | "Our new Constitution is now established, everything seems to promise it will be durable; but, in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes." |
| "I confess that there are several parts of this constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am not sure I shall never approve them. For having lived long, I have experienced many instances of being obliged by better information or fuller consideration, to change opinions even on important subjects, which I once thought right, but found to be otherwise." | |
| "It therefore astonishes me, Sir, to find this system approaching so near to perfection as it does; and I think it will astonish our enemies, who are waiting with confidence to hear that our councils are confounded like those of the Builders of Babel; and that our States are on the point of separation, only to meet hereafter for the purpose of cutting one another's throats. Thus I consent, Sir, to this Constitution because I expect no better, and because I am not sure, that it is not the best." | |
| "In these sentiments, Sir, I agree to this Constitution with all its faults, if they are such; because I think a general Government necessary for us, and there is no form of Government but what may be a blessing to the people if well administered, and believe farther that this is likely to be well administered for a course of years, and can only end in Despotism, as other forms have done before it, when the people shall become so corrupted as to need despotic Government, being incapable of any other." | |
| "On the whole, Sir, I cannot help expressing a wish that every member of the Convention who may still have objections to it, would with me, on this occasion doubt a little of his own infallibility, and to make manifest our unanimity, put his name to this instrument." |
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What You'll Learn
Benjamin Franklin's final quote
Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, is known for his influential role in shaping the nation's history and government. On September 17, 1787, Franklin, at 81 years old and in poor health, delivered his final notable address at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. This address, known as his "last great quote", reflected on the newly established Constitution and the challenges faced during its creation.
Franklin began his speech by acknowledging his own mortality and expressing humility:
> "I confess that there are several parts of this constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am not sure I shall never approve them. For having lived long, I have experienced many instances of being obliged by better information or fuller consideration, to change opinions even on important subjects, which I once thought right, but found to be otherwise. It is therefore that the older I grow, the more apt I am to doubt my own judgment, and to pay more respect to the judgment of others."
He continued by emphasizing the difficulty of achieving perfection in governance:
> "From such an assembly can a perfect production be expected? It therefore astonishes me, Sir, to find this system approaching so near to perfection as it does... Thus I consent, Sir, to this Constitution, because I expect no better, and because I am not sure, that it is not the best."
Franklin also shared his thoughts on the necessity of a general government:
> "In these sentiments, Sir, I agree to this Constitution with all its faults, if they are such; because I think a general Government necessary for us, and there is no form of Government but what may be a blessing to the people if well administered..."
He concluded his address by reflecting on the fragility of democracy and the potential for despotism:
> "...and believe farther that this is likely to be well administered for a course of years, and can only end in Despotism, as other forms have done before it, when the people shall become so corrupted as to need despotic Government, being incapable of any other."
These quotes highlight Franklin's wisdom, pragmatism, and belief in the potential of the newly established Constitution, despite its faults. His words continue to resonate and offer insights into the founding principles of the United States.
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His thoughts on the Constitution
Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, played a significant role in shaping the nation. He was a renowned publisher, entrepreneur, diplomat, and scientist, known for his wisdom and proverbs. Franklin's impact extended to the creation of the Constitution, where he had a pivotal role in influencing the Constitutional Convention.
On September 17, 1787, an eighty-one-year-old Franklin, in poor health, delivered a prepared speech at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. The purpose of his address was to convince three delegates, Edmund Randolph, George Mason, and Elbridge Gerry, to abandon their refusal to sign the Constitution due to their objections. Franklin, recognising the diversity of opinions and the challenges of reaching a consensus, humbly acknowledged that there were aspects of the Constitution that he did not approve of at present. However, he emphasised that his experiences had taught him that better information and fuller consideration could lead to changes in even deeply held beliefs. Thus, he expressed his willingness to set aside his objections for the greater good and encouraged others to do the same, signing the Constitution unanimously.
Franklin's famous quote, "I agree to this Constitution with all its faults, if they are such; because I think a general Government necessary for us," encapsulates his pragmatic approach. He recognised the imperfections but believed that a unified government was essential. Franklin also understood the limitations of creating a perfect document through a collective process, as individual biases and interests inevitably influenced the proceedings.
Franklin's thoughts on the Constitution reflected his practical nature and desire for unity. He acknowledged the challenges of reaching perfection and the potential for the government to degenerate into despotism if the people became corrupted. Nonetheless, he consented to the Constitution, signing it with the hope that it would be well-administered for a course of years. Franklin's wisdom and influence helped lay the foundation for the United States' system of government, and his contributions continue to shape the nation's principles and ideals.
Franklin's relief at the conclusion of the American Revolution with the Treaty of Paris in 1783 is also notable. He expressed his hope for America's future but maintained a cautious outlook on warfare, writing, "I have been apt to think that there has never been nor ever will be any such thing as a good war or a bad peace." Franklin's pragmatism and foresight contributed to his legacy as a Founding Father, and his insights continue to offer valuable lessons for generations to come.
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His farewell speech
On September 17, 1787, Benjamin Franklin gave a farewell speech at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Eighty-one years old and suffering from gout and kidney stones, Franklin was unable to read his speech himself and so delegated the task to Wilson (PA). The speech was formally addressed to George Washington, the Convention's president, but its purpose was to convince the three delegates—Gerry (MA), Randolph (VA), and Mason (VA)—who had refused to sign the Constitution, to abandon their opposition.
Franklin began his speech with an acknowledgment of his own humility and fallibility:
> "I confess that there are several parts of this Constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am not sure I shall never approve them. For having lived long, I have experienced many instances of being obliged by better information, or fuller consideration, to change opinions even on important subjects, which I once thought right, but found to be otherwise."
He went on to make a personal plea to Randolph to sign, but Randolph remained steadfast in his refusal, arguing that his conscience would not allow him to hesitate or change his mind. Franklin's longest speech of the Convention concluded with an observation about the emblem on the chair that Washington had been sitting in as he presided over the proceedings. The emblem was of a half sun, and Franklin noted that artists often struggled to distinguish between a rising and a setting sun in their artwork. He said:
> "I have often and often, in the course of the session, and the vicissitudes of my hopes and fears as to its issue, looked at that behind the President, without being able to tell whether it was rising or setting: but now at length, I have the happiness to know, that it is a rising and not a setting sun."
Despite Franklin's pleas, Gerry, Randolph, and Mason still refused to sign the United States Constitution. Franklin, however, considered the Constitution to be "near to perfection".
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His influence on the Constitutional Convention
Benjamin Franklin's influence on the Constitutional Convention was significant, despite his advanced age and poor health. At 81, Franklin played a crucial role in convincing three delegates—Gerry, Randolph, and Mason—to abandon their opposition and sign the Constitution. In his speech, Franklin acknowledged his own fallibility and the possibility that his opinions might change with better information or fuller consideration. He expressed doubt about the possibility of creating a perfect production from an assembly of men with diverse opinions and biases. Franklin's humility and wisdom carried weight, and his motion regarding the signing form passed 10-1.
Franklin's speech addressed the need for a general government and the potential for despotism if the people became corrupted. He noted that the Constitution approached perfection, astonishing their enemies who expected confusion. Franklin's words reflected his relief that the American Revolution had ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1783, and his hope for America's future. He consented to the Constitution, believing it to be the best option and expecting no better.
The signing form Franklin proposed, "Done in Convention by the unanimous consent of the States present, the seventeenth of September," was a compromise that affirmed the states' approval without explicitly indicating the signer's endorsement. This strategy successfully persuaded Gerry, Mason, and Randolph to sign, despite their personal objections. Franklin's influence extended beyond the convention, as he was revered as one of the nation's greatest patriots upon his return from France in 1785.
Franklin's wisdom and experience were key factors in shaping the outcome of the Constitutional Convention. His recognition of the limitations of human wisdom and the potential for change through open-mindedness left a lasting impact. Franklin's closing words at the convention, reflecting on the rising sun, symbolised his hope for the nation's future: "But now at length I have the happiness to know that it is a rising, and not a setting sun."
Overall, Benjamin Franklin's influence on the Constitutional Convention was profound, and his words continue to resonate in American history.
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His views on war
Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, was a publisher, entrepreneur, inventor, diplomat, and military commander. He played a significant role in shaping the Constitution and the future of the United States.
Benjamin Franklin is known for his critical views on war. He believed that there was "never a good war, or a bad peace," as he stated in "The Works of Benjamin Franklin" published in 1818. He saw war as a form of robbery and considered it to be a folly, expensive, and mischievous. In his writings, Franklin expressed his hope that mankind would resolve their differences without resorting to violence and cutting throats.
Franklin's experience as a military commander during the French and Indian War may have influenced his perspective on conflict. He led troops and oversaw fortifications and burial parties. The exposure to the harsh realities of war may have shaped his belief that war is not glorious but rather a source of suffering and loss.
Franklin also served as a diplomat and ambassador of the thirteen colonies in France during the American Revolution. He played a crucial role in securing a separate peace treaty with the British, ensuring the absolute independence and recognition of the United States as a distinct government. His diplomatic skills and tact were highly regarded, and he successfully navigated complex political situations to achieve favourable outcomes for his country.
In addition to his direct involvement in warfare and diplomacy, Franklin recognised the importance of defence and strength, particularly regarding the western frontier. He understood the need for preparedness and a strong military presence to maintain peace and protect national interests.
Overall, Benjamin Franklin's views on war were shaped by his diverse experiences as a commander, diplomat, and statesman. He recognised the necessity of defence and strength but ultimately sought peaceful resolutions and believed in the importance of arbitration and avoiding unnecessary bloodshed.
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Frequently asked questions
In his later years, Benjamin Franklin was in poor health and hoped for a well-deserved rest. However, he continued to play an active role in American politics and statecraft. On September 17, 1787, Franklin gave a speech at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, which was probably his last moment in the spotlight of American history. In this speech, Franklin expressed his support for the Constitution, acknowledging its faults but believing in the necessity of a general government. He famously said, "I agree to this Constitution with all its faults, if they are such; because I think a general Government necessary for us…Thus, I consent, sir, to this Constitution, because I expect no better, and because I am not sure that it is not the best."
Yes, Benjamin Franklin did express some concerns about the Constitution. In his speech at the Constitutional Convention, he noted that there were parts of the Constitution that he did not approve of at present, but he remained open to changing his opinions based on better information or fuller consideration. He recognized the challenges of assembling a group of men with diverse opinions and prejudices and questioned whether a perfect production could be expected.
One of Benjamin Franklin's most famous quotes about the Constitution is, "Our new Constitution is now established, everything seems to promise it will be durable; but, in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes." This quote became a staple in American popular culture and is often remembered as Franklin's last great quote.
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